Coney Island beaches were closed after sharks were spotted nearby

Beaches in Coney Island, including Steeplechase Pier and
Brooklyn beach,
were closed today after shark sightings.

The
sharks spotted were believed to be young basking
sharks, which were swimming about 50 to 60 yards offshore.
Basking sharks are slow-movers that can grow up to 40 feet long.
However,
they are filter-feeders, meaning they sift plankton from the
sea. So, they are no real threat to humans. Still, since they are
large animals, caution was warranted.

“Out of an abundance of safety, Parks closes beaches to swimmers
when sharks are in the immediate area,” Crystal Howard, Parks
Department spokeswoman said in a statement. “Because sharks have
been sighted in certain areas of Coney Island Beach today, Parks
has closed specific stretches of beach and will continue to
monitor the situation.”

According to
NBC New York, NYPD aviation and harbor units were surveying
the area for sharks. Some beaches were re-opened
periodically throughout the day.

Jon Dohlin, Vice President and Director of the Wildlife
Conservation Society's New York Aquarium, backed the
closures. "Today’s reported shark sightings off Coney
Island are a reminder that New York City and its waterways are
home to fascinating marine wildlife," he said in a
statement. "We agree with the decision by New York City’s
Department of Parks and Recreation to close beaches out of an
abundance of caution and respect for these animals."

Dohlin said the basking sharks are likely coming closer to
shore to feed.

A group of 10 sharks
were spotted off Monmouth Beach in New Jersey today, as well.
They were just 10 feet from the shore, near the beach club.
However, the sharks spotted in New Jersey haven't been
identified yet. No one was swimming there when the sharks were
seen.

Waters around the world are full of creatures so it's
important to remember that you aren't the only one in the water.
Always be aware of your surroundings and follow beach guidelines,
including closures.